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PHOTOS: Stoneham Police and Fire Departments Host Third Annual Special Olympics Softball Game

Police Chief James O’Connor, Fire Chief Matthew Grafton and Director of Public Works Brett Gonsalves are pleased to report that the Stoneham Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Department of Public Works, teamed up with Special Olympics Massachusetts to host a Special Olympics Softball Game.
Stoneham Police Lt. David Thistle provides some help as a girl goes up to bat against the Sandlot Spartans in a softball game at Recreation Field on Tuesday afternoon. The game raised both spirits and funds for Special Olympics Massachusetts. This is the third year that Stoneham police, firefighters and DPW workers teamed up to play softball to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts. (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)

STONEHAM — Police Chief James O’Connor, Fire Chief Matthew Grafton and Director of Public Works Brett Gonsalves are pleased to report that the Stoneham Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Department of Public Works, teamed up with Special Olympics Massachusetts to host a Special Olympics Softball Game. 

On Tuesday, July 22, first responders and DPW workers took to the diamond at Recreation Park to play softball with several members of the community who participate in Special Olympics.

The Sandlot Spartans softball team from Special Olympics Massachusetts thoroughly defeated the Stoneham team, all for charity. Proceeds from tickets to watch the game, slushie sales and raffle tickets all benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Major sponsors of the event were Craig and Trish Lavalle and Christine’s Sweet Shop. Jeanne Craigie served as MC, and Father David Barnes and Father Patrick Fiorillo offered blessings before the game started. Gerard Cunningham threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and Billy Dunn served as the game’s umpire. DJ Mansi provided music between innings. Michelle and Bill Perry volunteered to sell 50/50 raffles tickets, and Jill Burgos and Diane Ranieri ran the slushie machine. 

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Bob Sweeney and the Spartan Sandlot Players for their incredible skill, vision, and inspiration in bringing our community together,” said Stoneham Police Office Manger Erin Sinclair, who helped organize the game. “The Third Annual Special Olympic Softball Game was a tremendous success — and it couldn’t have happened without everyone’s participation!”

“For the third year in a row, the Sandlot Spartans dominated the game and beat us badly,” said Chief Grafton. “We plan to practice hard so that next year we can take a serious swing at victory!”

“In our third year, this continues to be an incredibly fun and rewarding way for our first responders and DPW workers to give back to the community,” said Chief O’Connor. “Special Olympics Massachusetts is a wonderful organization and community partner, and the athletes who took the field against are an inspiration.”

To learn more about Special Olympics Massachusetts, visit: https://www.specialolympicsma.org/.

A member of the Sandlot Spartans prepares to swing during a charity softball game against members of Stoneham Police, Stoneham Fire, and Stoneham DPW. (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)
Stoneham Police Officer Jacob Engel takes an at bat in full uniform during the charity game. (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)
Stoneham Resident Bill Perry throws a pitch during a charity softball game against members of Stoneham Police, Stoneham Fire, and Stoneham DPW. (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)
High fives and supportive calls abounded during the game, which pit members of the Special Olympics Massachusetts Sandlot Spartans against members of Stoneham Police, Fire and DPW.  (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)
The charity game brought together members of Stoneham Police, Stoneham Fire, and Stoneham DPW. From left are Social Services Coordinator Tracy Rizzo, Courtney Sinclair, of the DPW, and Police Office Manager Erin Sinclair. (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)
Stoneham Fire Department Lt. Mike Rourke takes an at bat during the charity game. (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)
A member of the Sandlot Spartans gets a hit during the charity game. The Sandlot Spartans went on to win the game by a hefty margin, though the exact score remains a mystery. Fun was had by both teams. (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)
Members of the Massachusetts Special Olympics Sandlot Spartans line up before the charity game. (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)
Members of the Stoneham Police Department, Stoneham Fire Department, and Stoneham DPW stand together for a team photo prior to the charity game. (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)

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